Feed mechanism



June 10, 1941. R. L. WILCOX 2,244,817

FEED MECHANISM Filed July 21, 1958 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 Q I/ I I R 3*mxzaizazm w ATTORNEY June 10, 1941. R. L. wlLcox FEED MECHANQISM FiledJuly 21, 1938 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 June 10, 1941. R. L. WILCOX 2,244,817

FEED MECHANISM Filed July 21, 1938 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR Fw /AwaitsTam/40w,

ATTO R N EY June 1941- R. WILCOX ,2 4,

FEED MECHANISM 44 TTORNEY June 10, 1941. R. L. WILCOX FEED MECHANISMFiled July 21, 1938 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 NVENTOR mamfialisizwW/z coxATTORNEY June 10, 1941. R. L. WILCOX 2, 7

FEED MECHANISM Filed July 21, 1938 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 9 Sheets-Sheet 8ATTORNEY June 10, 1941. R. 1.. WILCOX FEED MECHANISM Filed July 21, 19389 Sheets-Sheet 9 l/ mm I L 7 m mw v 1-11- -1 d ,m J 1|. 00

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ATTORNEY Patented June 10,

UNITED STATES PATE Richard Lester Waterbury, Conn assign or to TheWaterbury Farrel Foundry and Machine Company, Waterbury, Conn a corporartion of Odnnectlc Application July 21, 1938, Serial No. zzasas v H 42Claims. (01. 80-8) This invention relates to new and improved feed.mechanism, and particularly of the type for the successive presentationof single blanks to I threading dies or the like. As disclosed herein itis applied to a threading machine, wherein threads are rolled on theblank. It is' equally adapted, however, for other "types of machines,

7 wherein a feed mechanism may be desirable.

A principal object of the invention is to provide an efficient mechanismof this. character which will facilitate the production of a perfectproduct at high speed.

According to this invention a plurality of blanks are assembledindiscriminately in a hopper that occupies a lower horizontal plane thanthe threading dies and are automatically taken therefrom and presentedone at a time to the threading dies. In the travel of. the blanks fromthe hopper they are conducted in a chute to an auxiliary chute which isdisposed at an angle or obliquely to both the line of action of the diesand to the chute. By cut-oil mechanism or the like, the lowermost blankin the chute is separated from the column of blanks in the auxiliarychute and projected into a transfer mechanism. This mechanism moves theblank from the auxiliary chute to a point where it is taken therefroinby carrier mechanism interposed between the chute and the dies andactuated in a path at an angle or obliquely to the line of action of thedies.

This carrier mechanism is provided with fingers that have a relativefloating movement, whereby the fingers will move laterally of the pathof travel of the carrier mechanism and thus heretofore an blanks havebeen supported either by the head, and by gravity hang in a vertical. 1i position or by the end of the blank, in which case; other mechanism isprovided to prevent relative tilting. If the dies are inclined, thepresentation thereof into the bight of the dies is such that the isproduced. In both cases the blankis positively assured of presentationto the dies at a right angle to the working faces of the dies and heldin is rolled back again to its starting point during the return travelof the movable die. A blank subjected to such an imperfect operation isdamaged and is quite likely to injure or break adjacent parts, such asportions of the feed mechanism. In the present mechanism such action ofthe blank is practically impossible, but if perchanceit should happen,no damage will result,

' as the chute parts are distant from the dies inaccommodate themselvesto the path of travel of the blank between the dies and also permittheir withdrawal from the blank with the minimum of lateral pressure.

Also associated with the carrier mechanism is a device-for applyingpressure to the blank when in the bight of the dies to insure its properentrance therebetween.

In this invention the cut-oi! mechanism may be instantly stoppedmanually, if desired.

If the thread is to be rolled on the shank its full length the blank istransferred supported by the head by new and novel mechanism whichapplies a limited pressure thereto, thus insuring its permanency ofrelative position during transfer. If the blank, however, is to have thethread rolled on only a portion of the shank, then the blank issupported by the shankas distinguished from the head, likewise under alimited pressure. So far as at present advised, 55' pointed out in thestead of immediately adjacent thereto, as in the conventional threadingmachine, and the mechanisms for conveying the blank from the chute tothe dies are so constructed and operated that they will discontinuetheir operations under abnormal conditions. I

A source of trouble in mechanism of this character is the difficulty ofstopping the feed of blanks from the chute if conditions demand or seemdesirable. in the chute is uncontrolled and is a possible source ofdamage. This difilculty is overcome in the invention herein by soarranging and operating the cut-off mechanism that it may be instantlystopped, at which time no blank in the column of blanks will pass out ofthe chute.

In addition to the above and other new and,

novel features, which will appear from the following description and theaccompanying drawfor blanks of varying lengths and diameters, as

well as for different shaped heads.

To these and other ends, this invention consists in the new and improvedfeed mechanism hereinafter described and more particularly claims.

Ni" orries Generally the lowermost blank In the drawings, wherein likenumerals of reference indicate like parts in the several figures; Figure1 is a view of-one side of a machine embo y g the invention herein;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary plan view of that portion thereof adjacent tothe threading dies;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary side view of the hopper end of the machine; av

Figure 4 is a fragmentary view of one side 01 that portion of themachine illustrated in Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a plan view of the chute, transfer and carrier mechanismsand adjacent parts, the transfer mechanism being in substantially itsout position and the carrying mechanism in substantially its inposition;

Figure 6 is a similar view with the transfer mechanism in substantiallyits inward position and the carrying mechanism in substantially its outposition;

Figure 7 is a transverse view of the mechanism adjacent to the dies, theparts in section being taken generally upon line 'I! of Figure 4,".

Figure 8 is a transverse view of a portion of the hopper mechanism, theparts in section being taken generally upon line 88 of Figure 3;

Figure 9 is a similar view, the parts in section being taken generallyupon line 9-9 of Figure 3;

Figure 10 is a detailed view of the segment and guide plates and someadjacent mechanism;

Figure 11 is a fragmentary plan view of the hopper end of the machine; 5

ure 12 is a transverse sectional view of a portion of the lower end ofthe hopper mechanism, the parts in section being taken generally uponline i2l2 of Figure 3;

Figure 13 is a detailed view of the escapement mechanism andadjacentparts partly in section;

Figure 14 is a view of the lower end of the auxiliary chute and adjacentparts;

Figure 15 is a detailed view of a portion of the carrying mechanism,illustrating the type thereof for a blank with a hexagon or like headupon which a thread is to be cut the full length of the shank; c

Figure 16 is a view of similar mechanism illustrating a blank positionedtherein and supported below the head thereoi Figure 17 is a plan view ofthe mechanism as,

shown in Figure 16;

Figures 18 and 19 are views illustrating a portion of the carriermechaninn arranged for round or button head and beveled screw blanks,respectivcly;

Figure 20 is a perspective View of a portion of a blank supportingplate;

figure 21 is a view of the cut-ofi slide, a portion of the auxiliarychute, and some adjacent parts; and

Figures 22 and 23 are detailed viewsof the monitor mechanism.

Referring to the drawings, the reference numerals 20 indicate athreading machine or the like, which is supported upon a standard 2 l,and 22 is a bracket which is adjustable by a screw 23 or the like. I

The threading machine is supplied with th usual stationary die 2d andmovable die 25, each of which has thread rolling grooves in the workingface thereof.

The stationary die 24 is movably mounted on a die holder 26 which isadjustable to vary the width of the open space between the faces of thedies by the screws 21 and stop screws 28 and secured in its adjustedpositions by the bolts 29.

The movable die is secured to a reciprocating slide 31 in the frame 45and is actuated from the main shaft 30, driven through the drive wheel5!, pinion 32 thereon which actuates the gear 33 upon the shaft 34, andthe pitman 35 connecting the slide 31 with the pin I in the gear 33. Thedies, slide and mechanism for actuating the same, are or theconventional type and constitute no part0! this present invention. Asshown, the dies are in a plane at an angle to the horizontal, with thedelivery end of the dies lower than the receiving end, but within theinvention, the dies may be horizontal, or in any other position, as maybe desired. On the frame 49 are two brackets 38 and 4|,

the former fixed and the latter adjustable, being held in its severalpositions by the screws 45.

Adjustable against one face of the bracket 38-, by the screws 49, is theinner auxiliary chute plate 39. The screws 40 are threaded into T- headnuts 4! slidable in T-grooves in the bracket 38. It is thus assured apositive relative position of the chute plate with the bracket.

The outer auxiliary plate 39 is adiustably se-.

cured, by screws 53 to the bracket 44. A chute cover 55 having a latchN8 of conventional form is adjustably and separably secured above thechute plates 39 by screws 41 having nuts thereon. This chute cover isnot an essential part of the mechanism.

Keys 42 fixed to the chute plate by rivets 48, project in part in thechute plates 39 and in part in the brackets 38 and 4t, insuring properrelative position of the chute plates.

The chute plates 5!, supported by the brackets it, are of theconventional type, one of which is laterally adjustable, and spacedapart a distance sufllcient to permit the shanks of the blanks to passtherebetween, with the heads resting upon the top of the chute.Heretofore it has been the practice to have these chute plates extend toa point adjacent to the dies, which practice, however, has objectionablefeatures. The chute plates in this machine terminate at a point distantfrom the dies and therehetween is an. auxiliary chute that forms anextension of the chute and is disposed at an angle or obliquely to boththe line or action of the dies and to the chute.

The blanks at are delivered to the chute plates 5! from a hopper in amanner hereinafter described and slide theredown and between theauxiliary chute plates 58 to the lower end thereof, a positionsubstantially as shown in Figure 5. Adjustment for various sizediameters of blanks is accomplished by positioning the brackat it andfor various blank lengths by positioning the auxiliary chute plates 39upon their supporting members.

The blanks are singly and successively tramierred from the auxiliarychute plates into a position approximately as shown at 605 in Figure 6,to be engaged by carrying means for presenta tion to thedies. Suchtransfer means comprises generally a. slide 52 having a T-head 53 with aslot 56 therein, which is mounted in a ilxed bracket 54, the arms 55 ofwhich form a back support for the T-head 53. This slide is actuatedthrougha rock lever 51 fulcrumed on the stud 58 mounted in a bracket 59through a link 50 adjustable on the rock lever by the bolt Bi and screw62. The length of stroke of the slide 52 is thus made variable.

, Also pivotally mounted on the stud 58 is a rock arm 63, which receivesan oscillating motion ment in the opposite direction.

swivelmechanismfl of conventional iformjo'ur bracket "9, rod 99,and-swivel block: Theconnections between the swivel block' 1.. I9 androd 99, the' rock-lever 95 and the rod, and the rod 99 with the swivelmechanism 99, are all adjustabla surroundins the rod 99 are a pluralityof compression coil springs II with washers l2 therebetween; The washernearest the swivel mechanism 99 bears against a wall of the frame 99 andthe springs are held under compression by the nuts 19.

The slide 52, with the blank, is thus carried to the position I95 andaligned with the carrier mechanism by yielding mechanism, and positivelyin the opposite direction by action of the cam 99. Utilization of aplurality of spring units ll, instead of a single compression spring,facilitates the substitution of a new unit if one is broken. Themovement of the slide 52 while transferring a blank is thereforeactuated by mechanism that will yield under abnormal conditions, and ispractically positive for its move- Such limited positive movement isdesigned to prevent a full return of the slide it anything shouldobstruct its movement, or per chance, the blank is not ..taken out ofthe slide by the carrying fingers.

This result is obtained from the following mechanism.

Integral with the rock lever 51 is an arm 14 -which has a flexibleconnection with the rock arm 63 through the rod I5, swivel block I96 andspring 16. These arms, under normal conditions, are thus held with thecontact lugs 11, one upon arm H, and the other upon the rock arm 93 inengagement with each other, but under a yielding pressure, which lugswill be separated if the slide 52 is not returned to its full stroke toreceive a new blank.

If perchance the slide 52, or any of its associated parts, should meetan obstruction, or a. blank should be out of place for any reason, theslide 52 will discontinue its movement without interfering with themovement of any of the parts that actuate the rock arm 63. On the slide52 are two transfer plates 18, each having a blank receiving recess 19in alignment with each other. The walls of the recesses are at an angleto the face of the plate, and when in register with the auxiliary chuteare in the same plane as the inside faces of the auxiliary chute plates.The plates 19 are adjustably securedby bolts 99 or the like that projectthrough the slot 56 in the slide 52. When this latter slide is in itsapproximately out position, the blank receiving recesses 19 are inregister with the open space between the auxiliary chute plates, and inits inner position is opposite the carrier mechanism hereinafterdescribed. There are usually two of the transfer plates 19, the upperone being located to hold the blank directly under the head and thelower one to steady the blank at its lower end.

Slidably mounted in the bracket 94 is a cut-oi! slide 9| having oneormore fingers 92, each with a pointed nose 92. The fingers pass throughthe fingers u may be substituted, each arwmai a diiraentwidthof pointednose.

its inward orv cut-oi! motion is actuated by the spring 99 and outwardpositivelyby'an 1 tmechanimlilhislattercomprisesin bncketll'which issecured to the outer auxiliary chute plate 99 and moves therewith "91atitsouterendtoreceive thepln 99 flxedin slots I99 in the ends of thechute plates 99 and ment. Forvarying diameters of blanks other one oftin: transier plates 19. On the other arm is a cylinder lug 99, in whichthe cam pin 99 is movably mounted, being pressed downwardly by a spring99. It is moved upwardly manually through the knurled head 9| and heldin its up position by the cross pin 92, resting on the top of the lug93. When in its up position the lower end of the cam pin 99 is flushwith or above the lower face of the lug 99 and projects therebelow inits down position, whichposition is determined bythe pin 92 engaging thebottom wall of a radial slot 94 in the lug 93, substantially as shown inFigure 13.

The reciprocating movement of the slide 52 actuates the rock member 99and imparts an arcuate movement to the cam pin 99 about the center ofthe stud 95.

Pivotally mounted upon the bracket 94 is a cam piece 95, one face ofwhich engages a pin 99 in the cut-off slide 9|. parted to the cam piece95 through the cam pin 99 when in its down position.

As the transfer plates 19 move to their in position, the rock member 96is actuated in one direction thereby, and the cam pin 99 engages onewall of the cam piece 95, and through the engagement thereof with thepin 96 the cut-oi! movement of the slide 52 the column of blanks slidesdownwardly until the lowermost one in the column engages the face of theslide.

While the slide 52 is returning to its out-position, the spring 93 movesthe cut-off slide 9| inwardly and returns the rock arm 96 to its formerposition. As the recesses 19 are again in register with the open spacebetween the auxiliary chute plates 39 the pointed nose of each of thecut-oil fingers 92 are again projected between the two lowermost blanksin the column of blanks holding the entire column of blanks againstfurther downward movement and forcing out the lowermost blank into therecesses 19. The carrier mechanism grips the blank while in the recesses19 when in substantially the position designat 3d I95, in Figure 6, andthereafter presents it in the bight of the threading dies properlyaligned therewith.

The particular form of gripping means varies with the character of theblank, that is, the

length thereof, the position of the thread to berolled thereon, and theshape of the head. Various forms of such means are illustrated in thedrawings, Figures 15 to 19, inclusive. If the 'thread is to be rolledthe entire length of the shank the blank is held rigid by the head,substantially as shown in Figures 15, 18 and 19, in

Movement is imtrated-hexagon as in Figure 15, round or button head as inFigure 18'and a beveled-head screw as in Figure 19. For blanks to be sothreaded the forward end of the finger block I01 is provided with aVnotch IIO (Figure 6) to receive the shank of the blank. In the formsshown in Figures 15, 18 and 19, the-blanks are held against accidentaldisplacement by the application of a limited pressure upon the head ofthe blank. This is accomplished by a plate III havreason, such as amisplaced blank or otherwise.

ing a beveled end I I2, to insure a ready entrance of the blank, looselyheld in alignment with the block by a pin H3 and subjected to pressureby a spring II4 upon the stud II5. Shifting the nuts upon the stud II5will vary the tension of this spring. For the round or button head blank(Figure 18) the underside of the plate III is slightly-concaved so as tofit over the top of the head and additionally prevent its accidentaldisplacement in relation to the finger block I01. As

the underside of the screw head shown in Figure 19 is beveled, a supportis provided therefor by a plate 6, which has an open slot I8I withbeveled walls to suit the diameter and height of the head. The fingerblock I01 is separably secured to a carrier plate by bolts I09 or thelike.

In the form of mechanism shown in Figure 16, the blank is gripped belowthe head and at a point just above the end of the thread to be rolled,by companion spring fingers II1, which have a beveled outer end topermit ready entrance of the blank therebetween. As so positioned, thefingers just clear the top of the dies, shown in Figure 5, when theblank is presented thereto. Each of these fingers is subject to thepressure of a spring II8 fixed-to the finger block I01 by a bolt H9 orthe like. The fingers II1, as the finger block I01 approaches the blank,in position I05 (Figure 6) yield under the pressure of the springs H8and engage the shank of the blank upon opposite sides thereof, and areheld thereagainst under a yielding pressure by the springs H8, the shankof the blank resting in the V-notch IIO.

In Figures 5 and 6 the carrier mechanism, therein shown, is the formillustrated in Figure 15, the blank having a hexagon head.

The carrier plate I02 isadjustably mounted upon a swivel block 98 by thescrews I03 or the like, the correct alignment of the parts beingmaintained by a key I08.

The swivel block rotates upon a stud 99 mounted in a slide 91 thatreciprocates in the bracket 38. It is yieldingly held in a relativelyfixed position on the slide by a pin I00, having a pointed nose thatprojects into and is held in a conical recess in the rear face of theswivel block 98 by a spring IOI, substantially as shown in Figure 5.

Fixed in the slide 91 is the joint block I20 that receives 'the ball endof the connection I22. A similar connection I23 having a ball endengages the rock arm I24 on the shaft I25. A rod I26 adjustably unitesthe connections I22 and I23. An oscillating motion is given the shaftI25 from the cam I21 upon shaft 34 through the rock lever I 28, on thestud 66, and the member I29 adjustably secured to the rock lever I28(Figure 4), and rock arm I30 fixed on the shaft I25. As the cam roll onthe rock lever I28 is held against the cam I21 by the pressure of springI2I, movement of the carrier mechanism in its travel with the blanktoward the dies, will stop, if perchamee conditions are abnormal for anyThe carrier mechanism is in its rear position (Figure 6) when the slide52 approaches its inposition, with a blank in the recesses 19. As theblank nears its in-position I05, the carrier mechanism moves toward theblank and engages it in such position, during a slight dwell of theslide 52. It is held fixed therein by the gripping means in the mannerhereinbefore described, depending upon the character, length of theblank, shape of the head thereof, and the length of the portion to bethreaded. With the blank so gripped the carrier mechanism movesrearwardly a limited distance and takes the blank from the recesses 19.The slide 52 now returns to its out-position, and the carrier mechanismagain moves forward and presents and pushes the blank into the blght ofthe dies substantially as shown in Figure 5. When the dies have grippedthe blank therebetween suiliciently to insure its passing between thedies, the carrier mechanism releases its hold thereon and is withdrawn.The blank then passes between the dies, the thread rolled thereon anddischarged at the rear end of the stationary die in the conventionalmanner. As the path of the blank between the dies is at an angle to thedirection of movement of the gripping mechanism toward and away from thebight of the dies, any tendency of the gripping mechanism to drag on theblank while being withdrawn, and thereby possibly throwing it out ofalignment, is overcome by the flexibility of the gripping mechanism inrelation to other parts of 'the carrier mechanism. Such flexibilityresults from the pivot mounting of the finger block I01 and the actionof the spring pressed pin I00. As the fingers remain in contact with theblank during a portion of the travel thereof between the dies, thisdifference of direction of travel is accommodated by the sameflexibility of the gripping mechanism.

The hopper I3I is mounted upon a frame I32 which is supported at itslower end by the standard I33 and at its upper end by the shaft I34journaled in the bracket 22. Journaled in the frame I32 is a shaft I35carrying a sprocket wheel I36 and upon the shaft I34 is a similarsprocket wheel I31. Connecting these sprocket wheels is a feed chain I38having a plurality of fingers I38 which project therefrom and in spacedrelation to each other. The walls of the hopper I3I incline toward eachother and at their lower ends are spaced at suflicient distance apart topermit the fingers I39 to pass therethrough, these fingers being ofsuflicient length to project above the bottom of the hopper. The hopperwalls are adjustably supported upon the frame I32 by suitable bracketsI40, at least one of which is adjustable, to provide for a movement ofthe hopper wall fixed thereto toward and away from the other wall, andthus vary the width of the open space at the bottom thereof.

The feed chain I38 is driven preferalbly, but not necessarily, by amotor I adjustable on a bracket I42, through a hand wheel I43. Upon theshaft of this motor is a variable speed pulley I44 of conventional type,which is connected with a gear reduction unit I45, by a V-belt I46.Actuated through the gear reduction unit I45 is a shaft I41, upon whichis a fixed friction plate I48 and a free plate I49, between which is thesprocket wheel I 50. Upon the shaft I41, and between the plate I49 andcollar I5I, is a spring I52, which exerts its tension against the plateI49 so as to firmly press the same against one face of the sprocket mamand drive the 3 rafrictiongl'ilh'thepressureof whichisvariablethroughascrewltl.

Upon the shaft I34 is a sprocket wheel I6 which is connected with thesprocket wheel I63 by the sprocket chain I36. Motion of the feed chainI33 is thus acquired from the -motor hrough the shaft I41 and mmcketchain I53 which rotates on the shaft I34. The speed of this feed chainis changed by variation of the weed of the shaft I41, which isaccomplished through adjustment of the position of the motor I towardand away from the gear reduction unit I46 by manipulation of hand wheelI43. By this'drive the mrocket wheel I33 will slip, causing the chainand parts associated therewith to come to a full stop if perchance thefingers thereon or the chain itself should meet some obstruction. Thistype of drive insures a positive motion of the feed chain so long asconditions are normal, but as soon as an abnormality is presented,whatever its nature. the same stops and thus prevents injury or damageto the blanks or any of the hopper mechanism.

The fingers I33 attached to chain I33 (Fig. 3) used to be set atintervals in the chain more or less suiting a frequency requirement ofblanks to be elevated. For certain workpieces which fed easily orreadily the spacings were greater distances apart. For blanks notreadily fed more fingers and shorter spacings were required to get moreblanks up the track.

Now by means of the pulleys I44 and I46 a change of speed of the chain I33 is efiected, thereby causing a standard number of the fingers I33 toact more or less frequently on the blanks. This results in a bettercontrol of the number of blanks elevated without the necessity of alaborious change in the number of fingers I33. The speed change of thechain also obviates the frequent stoppage thereof so that, for example,when blanks feed too freely or more than the machine requirements,thereare not so many interruptions of the chain operation but rather asteadier flow.

At the lower end of the frame I32 is a bracket I56, one wall of whichforms an end wall of the hopper and rotatable therein is a shaft I 51carrying a sprocket wheel I53 and a beveled gear I53, and journaledthereon is a bracket I 63. In the bracket I33 is a shaft I" having abeveled gear I62, the teeth of which mesh into those of the beveled gearI53 and upon thev inner end of which is an agitator I63, cylindrical inform. The shaft I51 is driven from the shaft I by a sprocket chain I64between the sprocket I65 u the shaft I35 and the sprocket I53.

0ver the opening I66 in the bracket I56, through which the agitatormechanism moves up and down, is a closure plate I61. This 'plate is heldagainst the bracket I56 by the blanks in the hopper. The agitator I63 isspiral in form and the inside walls I63 of the spiral taper toward theaxis of the shaft. As so constructed the blanks will not wedge betweenthe outer diameter of the agitator and the walls of the hopper, and theinner tapered walls of the spiral prevent the clog ng of blanks insideof the spiral. With this form of agitator there is no possibility ofblanks becoming clogged either inside or outside of the agitator byreason of the operation thereof.

The upper portion of the sprocket chain I33 is supported by the guiderails I 63 slidable on the rods I13 when adjusted by the screw ill tovary the lateral position of the fingers I33. An idler roll I12journaled in the rock arm I13 rides against and holds the lower portionof the sprocket chain I33 taut and in alignment.

The outer end of gear reduction unit shaft I34 is spaced slightly fromthe end of shaft I41 (Figure 8) and fixed thereon are the notched wheelor cam I32 and the ratchet wheel I33, both having the same number of asshown herein, five in number. On the shaft I41 is fixed the disk I35 andon one side thereof a ratchet wheel I36 is movably mounted, being heldagainst lateral movement by a plurality of screws I31 which projectthrough slots I33 in the ratchet wheel. Thus the ratchet wheel I36 isfree to rotate upon the disk I35 a limited-distance. A pin I33 fixed inthe disk I35 projects into one of the said slots and its engagement withone end thereof limits such movement in one direction and the engagementof any of the screws I31 limits such movement in the opposite direction.A pawl I33 is mounted on a stud I M in the disk I35 and moved and heldin the path of the teeth on the ratchet wheel I33 by a spring 2I6.Outward movement of the pawl I33 is prevented by a pin I32 if perchancethe spring should break or become dislodged.

In the ratchet wheel I 36 is a trip pin I 33, which is movable in thepath of the lug I34 on the pawl I33 and when in engagement therewithwill swing the pawl upon its pivot mounting and the tooth thereon out ofengagement with the ratchet wheel I33, whenever there is a limitedcounter rotation of the ratchet wheel I 36 relative to the disk I35,thus stopping the rotation of the latter and the shaft I 41, andstopping the feed of blanks from the hopper to the chute. Fixed in theframe I32 is a stud I35, upon which oscillates a rock lever I33, havinga;lug I31. Also journaled on this stud is a rock arm I33, carrying aroll I33 which is constantly under pressure toward the periphery of thewheel I32 by the action of the spring 233. Upon this rock arm is a lug23I, through which and the lug I31 projects a bolt 2I3 having a spring232 thereon between the lug I31 and nut 233. To the lower end of the armI 36 is attached a yoke block 235 within which is adjustably secured oneend of a connecting rod 236. The purpose of the bolt 2M and spring 232is to yieldingly hold together the arms I36 and I33 providing thereby amotion compensating means between the two levers.

When the arm 2" of lever I36 is all the way down to the root of ratchetI36, then roll I 33 rides onthe crest of star wheel I32 and there wouldbe no yield between lugs I31 and 23I. But when rod 236 is stopped as arm2" is engaging nearer the outside crest of a tooth in ratchet I36, thenroll I33 has partially dipped toward root 0! star wheel tooth andbecause of this, the levers I33 and I 36 spread yieldingly apart againstthe tension of the spring 232.

Journaled on a stud 231, near the upper end of the frame, is a rocklever 233. having associated therewith a'yoke 233, and within which isone end of the connecting rod 236.

Secured to one of the chute plates 5Iis a finger block 2I3 within whichis movable a trip finger 2 that is fulcrumed on a. stud 2I2 which slidesin a slot H3 in the finger :block. A swivel block 2 I4 and connection2I5 join the trip finger 2 with the rocklever 233 and receive motiontherefrom. The point of the finger 2II on-its forward stroke enterstoward the center of the space between the chute plates and bearsagainst a blank traveling therethrough. If the chute is filled up tothis point or slightly above the point of the finger, then the latter inits forward motion contacts a blank which cannot be thus moved forward.This prevents motion of the finger, link 2I5 and rock lever 208. As aresult, through the connection rod 206 the stop lever I96 is moved intothe path of a tooth on ratchet wheel I88, thereby lifting the pawl I90by means of the pin I93 out of its engagement with the ratchet wheel I83and breaking the operative connection between the shafts I84 and I",thus stopping movement of the feed mechanism and delivery of'blanks tothe chute. As soon as the blanks again move down the chute and free theaction of the trip finger III the feed of blanks is again renewed.

The blanks are thrown indiscriminately and enmasse into the hopper andby the action of the agitator I63 are always free to be lifted out ofthe hopper by the fingers I39 and delivered one at a time to the upperend of the chute, through which they slideand enter the auxiliary chute.The agitator moves up and down as the mass of blanks requires pivotingupon the axis of the shaft I51, but continually rotating. Its downposition is limited by the screw I'll which abuts against a wall of thebracket I56. Clearance fingers I15, shown herein as coiled springs, are

supported by the rods I16, adjustably mounted in the fixed plates Ill.The lower ends of these clearance fingers are so positioned that a blanktraveling in its prescribed path will pass thereby, but if not, itwillengag'e one 'or'more of these clearance fingers and be returned tothe hopper. It has been found that coil springs usedas clearing fingersproduce the effect and all of the ad-' herein.

Whatisclaimedis: 1. In' mechanism of the character described. threadrolling dies; and gripping means for supporting and carrying a blank tothe dies, that is P rp ndicular to the blank and engages the shankthereof betweenthe ends of the blank,

at a place spaced from the head, which means is above the top of'thedies when the blank is presented thereto. I

2. InJnechanism of the character described;

- thread rolling dies; gripping means for supporting and carrying ablank to the dies, that is perpendicular to the blank and engages theshank thereof between the endsof the blank, at a place spaced from thehead, which means is above the top of the dies when the blank ispresented thereto; and pusher means for presenting a blank'so held intothe bight of the dies.

3. In mechanism of the character described;

dies for rolling a thread on-a blank; and means for supporting andcarrying a blank to the dies that engages the shank thereof between itsends and retains such engagement while the blank moves between the diesfor a limited distance, movable obliquely toward and away from the dies,the movement of such means being controlled in part during such limitedtravel, by the blank between the dies.

4 In mechanism of the character described; thread rolling dies; meansfor carrying blanks to the dies in a path obliquely to the line ofaction of the dies, comprising in part a slide, a member pivotallyconnected therewith, a second member adjustably mounted on the member toprovide for blanks of various lengths, and blank holding mechanism onthe second member and whereby the second member during the travel of theslide may have an independent movement initiated by the blank whilemoving between the dies.

5. In mechanism of the'character described; thread rolling dies; meansfor carrying headed blanks to the dies, having as a part thereof amechanism that holds the blank in part by spring pressure upon the headthereof, comprising a member with a blank receiving recess in one facethereof, a finger connected therewith and projecting over one end of therecessed face thereof, and spring mechanism for pressing the fingeragainst the head of the blank in the member.

6. In mechanism of the character described; thread rolling dies; meansfor carrying headed blanks to the dies-in a path obliquely to the lineof action of the dies, having as a part thereof a mechanism comprising arigid member and a yielding member that holds the blank by the head, oneface of the head engaging the rigid member, and another face theyielding member.

7. In mechanism of the character described; thread rolling dies; meansfor carrying headed blanks to the dies in a path obliquely to the lineof action of the dies, having as a part thereof a blank holdingmechanism, comprising a member with a blank receiving recess in one facethereof, a finger, having a beveled outerend connected therewith andprojecting over one end of the recessed face, and spring mechanism forpressing the finger toward the member.

8. In mechanism of the character described; thread rolling dies; meansfor carrying headed blanks to the dies, having as a part thereof aholding mechanism, comprising amember with a blank receiving recess inthe end face thereof, a finger connected therewith and projecting overone end of the recessed face, and spring mechanism for pressing thefinger toward the member, the blank in the holding mechanism having itsshank in the said recess with the underside of the head engaging theadjacent faces of the member, with a spring pressed plate engaging thetop of the head.

9.111 mechanism of the character described; thread rolling dies; achute; means for transferring blanks from the chute to the dies,comprising transfer mechanism that receives a blank from the chute andmovesthe same to a point laterally spaced from the line of action of thedies, and carrying mechanism that takes a. blank from the transfermechanism at said point and conveys it across the intervening space tothe dies.

10. In mechanism of the character described; thread rolling dies; achute; means for transferring blanks from the chute to the dies,comprising transfer mechanism that receives and carries a blank from thechute, and carrying mechanism that takes the blank from the transfermechanism at a point spaced from the chute and laterally from the lineof action of the dies and conveys it to the dies, a member of thetransfer mechanism receiving the blank at the chute and holding itduring transit.

11. In mechanism of the character described:

' ring blanks from the chute to the dies, comprising transfer mechanismthat receives and carrim the blanks from the chute. and carryingmechanism that takes the blanks from the transfer mechanism at a pointspaced from both the chute and dies and delivers them to the dies: a

member of the transfer mechanism having a recess therein at the samerelative angle as the chute to receive the blank from the chute.

12. In mechanism of the character described; thread rolling dies; achute; and means for transferring blanks from the chute to the dies,comprising transfer mechanism that will receive the blanks from thechute; and carrying mechanism that first takes the blank from thetransfer mechanism, then moves out of the .path thereof and finallypresents the blank to the dies.

13. In mechanism of the character described; thread rolling dies; achute; means for transferring blanks from the chute to the dies,comprising transfer mechanism that receives the blanks from the chute,and carrying mechanism that takes the blanks from the transfer mechanismat a point spaced from both the chute and dies and delivers them to thedies, the transfer mechanism being positioned between the dies and thecarrying mechanism as the latter takes the blank'- therefrom.

14. In mechanism of the character described; thread rolling dies: achute; means for transferring blanks from the chute to the dies,comprising transfer mechanism that receives the blanks from the chute,and carrying mechanism that takes the blanks from the transfer mechanismand delivers them to' the dies; and means passing between the two lowestblanks in the chute for projecting the lowest blank into the transfermechanism and holding all of the other blanks in the column of blanksfrom movement in the chute.

15. In mechanism of the character described; thread rolling dies; achute; means for transferring blanks from the chute to the dies,comprising transfer mechanism that receives the blanks from the chute,and carrying mechanism that takes the blanks from the transfer mechanismand delivers them to the dies;and means,

having a pointed nose, passing between the two lowest blanks in thechute for projecting the low-- est blank into the transfer mechanism andholding all of the other blanks in the column of blanks from movement inthe chute.

16. In mechanism of the character described; thread rolling dies; achute; and means for transferring blanks from the chute to the dies,comprising in part a reciprocating slide, one or more members connectedtherewith and having recesses therein which in one position of the slideregister with the chute; means for imparting a reciprocatory motion tothe slide to transfer a blank from thechute to a point to be received bythe carrying mechanism, and carrying mechanism that takes the blank fromthe transfer mechanism and delivers it to the dies.

17. In mechanism of the character described; thread rolling dies; achute; and means for transferring blanks from the chuteto the dies,comprising in part a reciprocating slide, one or more members adiustablyconnected therewith and having recesses therein which in one position ofthe slide register with the chute; means for imparting a reciprocatorymotion to the slide to transfer a blank from the chute to a point to bereceived by the carrying mechanism, and carrying mechanism that takesthe blank from the transfer mechanism and delivers it to the dies.

'18. In mechanism of the character described; thread rolling dies; achute; and means for transferring blanks from the chute to the dies,

comprising in part a reciprocating slide, one or more membersaonnected'therewith and having recesses therein which in one position ofthe slide register with the chute; positive means for imparting areciprocatory motion to the slide in one direction to transfer a blankfrom the chute to a point to be received by the carrying mechanism, andcarrying mechanism that takes the blank from the transfer mechanism anddelivers it to the dies.

19. In mechanism of the character dmcrlbed; thread rolling dies; achute; and means for transfer-ring blank from the chute to' the dies,comprising in part a reciprocating slide, one or more members connectedtherewith and having recesses therein which in one position of the slideregister with the chute; means for imparting a reciprocatory motion tothe slide that will yield and hold the slide against movement if anabnormal condition should interfere-with said movement to transfer a:blank from the chute to a .point to be received by the carryingmechanism,

and carrying mechanism that takes the blank reciprocatory motion to theslide to transfer a 7 blank from the chute to a point spaced there-,-

from; a cut-01f mechanism that projects the lowest blank in the chuteinto said recess; a'

connection between the slide and cut-ofi mechanism, whereby the latteris operated in timed relation with the slide; and carrying mechanismthat takes the blank from the transfer mechanism at said spaced pointand delivers it to the dies. 21. In mechanism of the characterdescribed; thread rolling dies; a chute; means for transferring blanksfrom the chute to the dies, comprising in'part'a reciprocating slidehaving a recess therein which in one position of the slide registerswith the chute; means for imparting. a reciprocatory motion to the slideto transfer a blank from the chute to a point spaced therefrom; acut-off mechanism that projects the lowest blank in the chute into saidrecess; a connection between the slide and cut-off mechanism, wherebythe latter is operated in timed relation with the slide; carryingmechanism that takes the blank from the transfer mechanism at saidspaced point and delivers it to the dies; and means for breaking saidconnection whereby the slide will operate independently of the cut-offmechanism. 1

22. In mechanism of the character described; thread rolling dies; achute; means for transferring blanks from the chute to the dies,comprising in part a reciprocating slide; a cut-off mechanism thatprojects the lowest blank in the chute into the transfer means; aconnection between the slide and cut-off mechanism, whereby the latteris operated in timed relation with the associated therewith, whichin oneits positions will render the connection inoperative.

23. In mechanism of the character described; thread rolling dies; achute; means for transierring blanks from the chute to the dies; acutoff mechanism that projects the lowest blank in the chute into thetransfer means; a connection between the slide and cut-oil. mechanism,whereby the latter-ls operated in timed relation with the transfer meansand having a movable member associated therewith, comprising in part arock member actuated by the transfer means; a movably mounted memberbetween the rock member and the cut-off mechanism; and a trip memberconnected with the rock member that is movable into and out of the pathof the intermediate member to make or break the connection between thetransfer and cut-off means.

24. In mechanism of the character described;

thread rolling dies; a chute; means for transferrlngblanks from the'chute to the dies, comprising in part a reciprocating slide having arecess therein which in one position of the slide 1 registers with thechute; means for imparting a reciprocatory motion to the slide totransfer a blank from the chute to a point where it is re 'ceived by thecarrying mechanism; a cut-oi! mechanism that projects the lowest blankin the chute into said recess; a connection between the slide andcut-off mechanism, whereby the latter is operated in timed relation withthe slide; and carrying mechanism that takes the blank from the transfermechanism and delivers it to the dies, said chute, cut-off mechanism andconnection being adjustable relative to the dies in a path atsubstantially a right angle to the direction of travel of the blankbetween the dies.

25. In mechanism of the character described; thread rolling dies; achute; an auxiliary chute 'leading from the chute at an angle thereto;means per to the chute.

2'7. An agitator for stirring up blanks in a mass of blanks, or thelike, having a substantially solid base portion, a s iral wall aroundthe axis of the agitator, with a open space between the ends thereof,the outer edge of which ascends relatively to the base for a portion ofits length, and descends toward the base for a portion of its length,one wall of which slopes toward the axis or the agitator.

28. In mechanism of the character described; thread rolling dies; meansfor carrying blanks to the dies in a path obliquely to the line ofaction of the dies, and having a generally reciprocatory movement insaid oblique path, and :a secondary or floating movement relative to thereciprocatory movement. comprising in part fingers that hold the blankuntil engaged by the dies; and a pusher associated with the carryingmeans adjacent to the fingers that force the blank into the bight of thedies while held by the fingers.

29. In mechanism of the character described; thread rolling dies; meansfor carrying a blank to the dies, comprising in part a slide that movesin a path obliquely to the line of action of the dies, a member movablyconnected therewith, and blank retaining means associated with themovable member, said member and fingers while being withdrawn from thedies having independent movement relative to the slide thatis initiatedand controlled by the blank last carried to the dies and while movingtherebetween.

30. In mechanism of the character described; a chute; thread rollingdies spaced from the chute; and means for moving a blank from the chuteto the dies, comprising in part two separately actuated mechanisms, onetaking the blank from the chute and carrying it to a point that isbetween the chute and laterally of the line of action of the dies, andthe other taking the blank at said point and conveying and delivering itto the dies and at the same time that the first mentioned mechanism isreturning to the chute to receive another blank.

31. In mechanism of the character described; a chute; thread rollingdies spaced from the chute; and means for moving a blank from the chuteto the dies, comprising in part two separately actuated mechanisms, onetaking the blank from the chute and carrying it to a point between thechute and dies, through a path at substantially a right angle to theworking face of the dies, and the other taking the blank at said pointand conveying and delivering it to the dies and moving in a pathobliquely to the dies.

32. In mechanism 01 the character described; a chute; thread rollingdies spaced from the chute; andmeans for moving a blank from the chuteto thedies, comprising in part two separately actuated mechanisms, onetaking the blank from the chute and carrying it to a point be tween thechute and dies, and the othertaking the blank at said point andconveying it obliquely to the line of action of the dies and across thepath of movement of the first of said mechanisms and delivering it tothe dies and at the same time that the first mentioned mechanism isreturning to' the chute to receive another blank.

33. In mechanism of the character described; a chute; thread rollingdies spaced from the chute; and means for moving a blank from the chuteto the dies, comprising in part two separately actuated mechanisms, onetaking the blank from the chute'and carrying it to a point between thechute and dies, and the other taking the blank at said point andconveying it obliquely to the line of action of the dies and deliveringit to the dies. said first described mechanism coming to a rest positionif it or an associated part should meet an obstructing object.

34. In mechanism of the character described; thread rolling dies; achute spaced from the dies obliquely thereto; and means for moving ablank from the chute to the dies, comprising in part two separatelyactuated mechanisms, one taking the blank from the chute, carrying it toa point between the chute and dies, and the other taking the blank atsaid point and conveying it to the dies in a path obliquely to the lineof action thereof, and non-parallel with the chute.

35. In mechanism of the character described; a chute; thread rollingdies spaced from the chute; and means for moving a blank from the chuteto the dies, comprising in part two separately actuated mechanisms, onetaking the blank from the chute and carrying it to a point between thechute and dies, and the other taking the blank at said point andconveying and delivering it to the dies, this last mechanism moving fromsaid point to the dies in a path obliquely to the line of action of thedies and comprising in part a slide; a membermovably connectedtherewith; and blank carrying fingers associated with the member, themember being actuated at an angle to the slide by a transitory member.

36. In mechanism of the character described; a chute; thread rollingdies spaced from the chute; and means for moving a blank from the chuteto the dies, comprising in part two separately actuated mechanisms, onetaking the blank from the chute and carrying it to a point between thechute and dies, and the other taking the blank at said point andconveying and delivering it to the dies, this last mechanism moving fromsaid point to the dies in a path obliquely to the line oi action oi thedies, comprising in part a yieldingly actuated slide; an independentlymovable member thereon, a finger member adjustable on the movablemember, and fingers or the like associated with the finger member thatreceives the blank, which when delivered to the dies and started in apath therebetween will impart movement to the fingers and movable memberrelative to the slide; and means, as a detent or the like, foryieldingly maintaining the pivotal member in a predetermined relativeposition on the slide.

37. An agitator for stirring up blanks in a mass of blanks, or the like,having a spiral wall that extends for a limited distance around andspaced from the axis, the outer edge of the wall having an ascendingportion and a descending portion, relatively to the base, and the innersurface thereof sloping toward the said axis.

38. An agitator for stirring up blanks in a mass of blanks or the like,having a substantially solid base portion, a wall projecting in onedirection from the base portion substantially parallel with the axis ofthe agitator and arranged with an open space between the opposite endsthereot the said wall being substantially spiral in form, and thicker atits line of juncture with the base than at the rim or outer edge.

39. In combination with thread rolling dies; a hopper; chute mechanismthrough which the blanks travel toward the dies; and positively actuatedflexible means, having spaced fingers as a part thereof, for takingblanks from the hopper, moving the blanks upwardly and delivering themsuccessively from the fingers to the chute.

40. In combination with thread rolling dies; a hopper; chute mechanismthrough which blanks travel toward the dies; a rotary member adjacent toone end of the chute mechanism; a flexible member, having fingers as apart thereof, that moves upwardly and over the rotary member carryingblanks from the hopper to the chute mechanism.

41. In combination with thread rolling dies; a hopper located in ahorizontal plane lower than the thread rolling dies; a chute throughwhich blanks travel toward the dies; a flexlble member, having fingersas a part thereof, which carries the blanks upwardly from the hopper anddelivers the same to the chute.

42. In combination with thread rolling dies; chute mechanism, throughwhich the blanks travel toward the dies; a hopper; a flexible membermounted so as to travel between the hopper and chute mechanism andhaving fingers thereon which carry the blanks with the flexible member,and in their uppermost position pass between the walls of the chutemechanism.

RICHARD LESTER WILCOX.

